Thursday, May 31, 2007

I've seen several articles about good debt vs. ugly debt. The folks at Take Charge America (www.takechargeamerica.org) sent me this piece about different types of credit. I'm interested in what other people think about debt. Here is the item:

"A record high of credit card debt is a sign that American consumers are livingwell outside their means. As a nation, the Federal Reserve says we’ve amassed $800 billion in credit card debt, and that figure continues to climb.

Mike Sullivan, director of education for Take Charge America, a national non-profit credit counseling agency, says Americans have become consumed with “bad” debt.

“There is good debt and bad debt. Good debt ultimately leads to greater wealth, and bad debt can possibly lead to financial disaster,” he said. “Learning to decipherbetween the two is vital to maintaining a healthy financial life.”

According to Sullivan, good debt includes items that you need, but can’t afford to purchase upfront – at least without wiping out cash reserves or liquidating investments. In cases where debt makes sense, consumers should only take loans for which they can afford monthly payments. On the other hand, bad debt, which usually comes in the form of high-interest credit card debt, accumulates when a consumer purchases items that they don’t need and can’t afford.

Good Debt:

Mortgage – A mortgage loan is an example of good debt. It generally has a low interest rate, and the value of the home will likely increase throughout the life of the loan, often substantially in the long run. You can also deduct the interest you pay onthe first $1 million of a mortgage home. Keep in mind, the more money youare able to use as a down payment, the lower your interest rate will be.

Student Loans – A college education is pricey, but it significantly boostslifetime earnings. Therefore, student loans can help increase thelikelihood that you will make more money as you advance your career. Student loans also carry low interest rates and some types do not need to bepaid until the student graduates or stops taking classes. In addition,student loans can be a less-risky form of funding an education, compared toborrowing against a 401(k) or obtaining a second mortgage.

Bad Debt:

High-Interest Credit Card – This is the worst kind of bad debt, and itcauses millions of people financial stress on a daily basis. According tothe credit card industry, the average American household that has at least onecredit card is carrying more than $9,000 worth of high-interest debt, whichdoesn’t include mortgages. It’s very simple to combat this problem: livewithin your means, discern wants from needs, and obtain the will power to say“no” to unnecessary purchases. Further, if you pay off your credit cardbalance each month, then you won’t have to pay any interest rates.

Auto Loans(Bad Side) – An auto loan is bad when it is used to buy “too much” car. Remember, as soon as you purchase a vehicle, its value decreases. So, justbecause you qualify for a loan that enables you to purchase a luxury vehicle,that doesn’t mean you should do so if you will struggle to meet monthly paymentsand cause a financial pinch in other aspects of your life. Also considerthe cost of auto insurance, because generally the more expensive the car, themore expensive the insurance.

Necessary Debt:

Auto Loans (Necessary Side) – Some bad debt can be necessarydebt. For instance, a vehicle is necessary for certain jobs, especially incommunities not set up for easily accessible public transportation. Anauto loan can provide you with a means to get to work. However, it isvital that drivers use auto loans to purchase a car within their budgets. Think about practicality and affordable monthly payments when vehicleshopping. Make sure to evaluate the fuel efficiency and add in the cost ofgas to the overall cost of purchasing and operating a car.

Medical Bills – Medical problems are unfortunate life circumstances that often occurunexpectedly. It can turn into bad debt, and it must be dealt with inorder to prevent serious financial strain. If you have medical bills thatare overwhelming, visit a credit counselor to discuss your options. Tolocate a reputable credit counselor, visit the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org. "

1. The dollar section. Once I found a pair of cute pink flip-flops for $1 at Target. But when I arrived at the cash register, the sandals were knocked down to 25 cents due to a 75 percent-off aisle in the dollar section.

2. The food aisle. We've found good deals and a broad selection of food in the grocery aisles.The private-label, store brand is also excellent and super cheap.

3. Post-season sales. After a holiday, seasonal merchandise is marked down by 75 percent.

4. Home accents: The home design section has a great selection at thrifty prices.

5. Designer lines: A lot of hot designers --for clothes and home accessories --have designed product lines for Target.

6. Great benefits for employees and excellent community service programs.

Monday, May 28, 2007

To compete with national home improvement chains, independent hardware stores offer shoppers a variety of free installation services, clinics and other resources. From grill safety tips to lessons on faux painting, neighborhood hardware stores are expanding their free services, says Scott Wright, a spokesman for North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA).

• Leaky faucets and appliance installation tips: Hardware store managers can provide step-by-step help when homeowners need to connect a refrigerator ice-making unit or other minor household appliances.''Trust me like you trust your doctor,'' said Ronnie Berman, owner of Ronnie's Hardware in the Country Walk. Mike Leach, an employee at Hardware City in Pembroke Pines, provides assistance about selection and installation of faucets and shower stalls either at the store or by phone. Store employees are trained to answer questions about home improvement projects.''Ask your store to do free demonstrations on how to do simple household repairs,'' says Joan Stewart, author of Marketing Toolbox for Hardware Stores, and a publicist.

Friday, May 25, 2007

The average couple spends over $25,000 on a wedding. But you don't have to spend that much.I enjoyed this piece about planning a low-budget wedding. Some of the honeymoon planning tips also apply to anyone planning a vacation.

"How to have a wedding and still have money left for a honeymoon

Tips fromConsumer Credit Counseling Service

More than 700,000 couples are expected to tie the knot this summer,spending an average of $27,000 for each wedding. Some will incur overwhelmingdebt to cover the costs of engagement and wedding rings, a bridal gown, flowers,catering, and more—and will spend years trying to pay down that debt.

In fact, if you charge just $10,000 on a credit card with an 18 percent interest rate and make only minimum monthly payments, you will spend 31 years paying for your wedding and will pay more than $14,000 in interest.

“Having a dream wedding can result in a financial nightmare for couples who spend more than they can realistically afford,” said Jessica Cecere, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast (CCCS). “The financial strain can take a toll on the best of relationships, and cansignificantly reduce the chances of a successful marriage.”

CCCS offers tips to help couples plan a wedding without going broke:

Create a wedding budget. Decide up front how much you can afford tospend on your wedding without using credit cards to finance the big day. Discusshow much each family will contribute, and how much you and your fiancée cancontribute. When creating your budget for things like flowers, photography,music and the reception, make sure your total does not exceed what you have tospend.

Use a budget worksheet to outline all your anticipatedexpenses. A great worksheet can be found at www.eventageous.com on the resources page. They also have a great checklist for weddings that can be useful in your wedding planning.

Be sure to factor the cost of engagement and wedding rings andyour honeymoon into your budget, as these can add substantially to yourexpenses.

Decide what is important and what isn’t. A great way toreduce wedding costs is to prioritize those things that are most important toyou. Perhaps it is a certain dress or reception site, or maybe you have yourheart set on a particular band. These are the items you should plan for firstwhen developing your budget. Next, consider items that are less important to youand might be a place to reduce expenses—perhaps invitations, flowers, andtransportation.

Look for places to trim costs. Having abeautiful wedding does not have to break the bank. With a little effort, you canreduce costs without sacrificing your dreams of the perfect day.

Limit the guest list—invite those people you truly want to share in yourspecial day. Immediate family and your closest friends will share your joy andwill help you stay on budget.

Shop smart for your wedding gown—check out Ebay, Craigslist and other internet sites for deals on wedding gowns. Also contact local bridal shops to see when they have sample sales—you might find exactly the dress you are looking for at just a fraction of the regular price. Buying off the rack can also save money. A dress that is a little too big can easily be altered to fit.

Avoid peak wedding times—June, August and September tend to be the most popular wedding months, making wedding and reception venues more costly than off-peak times. You might be able to negotiate better rates in January, when fewer weddings are performed.

Also consider weeknights and Sundays, as there is less demand for these days.Off peak weddings can also mean travel and lodging discounts for your honeymoon.

To buffet or not to buffet—explore your options with the catererto provide a delicious meal within your budget. Consider a buffet instead of asit-down dinner; you may be able to offer more options to your guests at less ofa cost. If you are serving wedding cake, you can also forego other costlydessert options.

Get creative—you can trim lots of money fromyour wedding budget by making things yourself. Invitations, centerpieces, andwedding favors can all add up. Minimize these costs by making your own. Thereare some great ideas at www.superweddings.com and www.allweddingideas.com. You can also reduce the cost of decorations at your wedding venue by selecting a date close to a holiday where the site might already be decorated.

Plan the perfect honeymoon. Shopping around and making plans early are key to saving money on your honeymoon. Whether you want a relaxing visit at a spa or an adventure-filled trip overseas, there are lots of ways to save. A few tips:

Work with a travel agent—this will save you time and can save youmoney. Talk with your agent about your priorities and your budget and let themhelp you plan the perfect getaway.

Stay close to home—traveling to nearby destinations can reduce or eliminate airfare costs and give you more money to spend on the trip itself.

Use membership rewards or frequent flier points—cash in those miles or points for big savings on airfare and hotel costs.

Book online—some resorts and hotels offer internet-only specials. You can also quickly compare airfare costs on many airlines at sites like www.mobissimo.com.

When making honeymoon plans, be sure to tell the travel agent, airline booking agent, or hotel reservations desk that you will be on your honeymoon. You might find yourself upgraded to first class accommodations or get special treatment for no additional cost.

For more cost-saving honeymoon tips and ideas for the perfecthoneymoon destination, visit www.theknot.com.

“A wedding represents the start of a new life together for a couple,” said Cecere. “Staying within your budget is one of the best gifts you can give oneanother.” _____________

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

From grooming nails to taking the itch out of bug bites, a simple bar of soap has many odd and frugal uses. I found these uses in a recent issue of First for Women magazine:

1. Dirt-proof garden nails: Pull your fingernails over a soap bar before you start digging up your garden. The soap scum will keep dirt from getting in the crevices of your nail bed. Rinse after gardening.

2. Anti-itch: Rub a moist bar of soap over a bug bite. Let the film dry on your skin. The soapy chemicals will take the itch out of the bite.

3. Natural pesticide: With a potato peeler, shave a soap over the flowers, fruits and veggies in the garden. This step should scare off garden pests, according to the magazine.

4. Sewing guide. Narrow slivers of soap are great for marking up a garment that you are hemming or sewing. The soap marks will wash out and you'll have no need to buy sewing chalk.

I'll add additional uses on Thursday night after I return online from a religious holiday: Shavout.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Like an unruly rugby match, shoes, belts and hangers fiercely compete for space in many walk-in closets. Fortunately, you don't have to spend a fortune to create the perfect closet. Discount stores, home improvement chains and upscale home boutiques offer many options.Professional organizers recommend these steps:

• Know yourself, says Standolyn Robertson, president of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and owner of Things in Place, based in Massachusetts. ''You need to make sure that you're really considering a system that will work for you,'' Robertson says.

• Consider your finances. Professionally installed projects range from $300 to $15,000, according to Mort Malis, owner of the Miami franchise of California Closet. Pre-fabricated do-it-yourself shelves and closet materials from home supply stores are a budget option, says Efrain Machado, owner of Luv My Closet in Miami Beach. Although Machado sells closet units that can cost up $8,000, he has also created attractive solutions using trays, wicker baskets and decorative boxes priced from $5 to $14 at Target.

• Sort and purge. Empty out your closet and make some ''hard decisions,'' about each item, says Robertson of NAPO. Your give-away pile should include shopping mistakes, ill-fitting garments and worn out items, she says. Malis of California Closet says to discard or give away anything that you haven't worn in the past 12 to 18 months.

• Create groupings. Clothes and accessories should be organized by function and season. Rotate your seasonal items, with out-of-season clothes in the back and high-use items in the front. Store folded sweaters and T-shirts on open closet shelves.

• Double Up. Use shelves and different levels of horizontal rods to create layers of space.

Friday, May 18, 2007

Confession: From time to time, I backslide and spend more than I should. And when I think hard about my budget-busting spending, I've discovered a few of my un-thrifty triggers. Here's my list:

1. Hidden anxiety. Last week my youngest son had a small cyst removed from his neck. We're still waiting for lab results, but the doctors are pretty sure that all is well. Thank G-d.

We had -- I thought -- a very relaxed, no-big-deal attitude. Very upbeat. No problemo. But suddenly, I realized that I was spending more than usual: Extra restaurant meals, expensive vitamins and additional movie rentals.

The underlying cause: Despite my all-is-well calm about the surgery, I was secretly very worried. My son --by the way-- is fine. He was jumping on a trampoline just a day after the procedure. With big smiles, we told him to get off the trampoline. His stitches survived his high jump antics.

2. Overwork: In the last few weeks, I've taken on a few long-term projects and new assignments. GREAT! It's all good, but the additional work has prompted me to spend more money on creature comforts and step-saving solutions, which typically cost more.

Bottom line: An inbalance in family-work commitments, faulty time management and unrealistic expectations about what I can accomplish in single day have prompted me to spend more.

3. Lack of advance planning: In a packed schedule, I ran out of the house for a mile walk. In my rush, I did not bring a water bottle or any beverage. When thirst hit, I spent money at CVS to buy trendy Vitamin Water. It wasn't a big expense, but it was a nickle-and-dime money leak that I could have avoided with advanced planning.

Fortunately, I realize that there is a cure for emotional spending. I should slow down. By moving slower, I'll spend less energy, time and money. As I write this, I think about the advice my friend Leah once received from her 93-year-old grandmother Meme. I've written about Meme before and her money-saving advice. Meme also had sage advice about time management.

For instance, when Leah or other family members would bustle about in a high-wind of energy, Meme would say: "Speak slower; I'm in a hurry." And that's great advice. I spend less when I slow down. And you know, every now and then, it's okay to backslide and spend more as long as I recognize, why and how my money flies. It also helps to remember to breathe.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

You can negotiate a better deal on your rental car. Just request a free upgrade or ask for a rate adjustment. That's the world from the May 28th issue of First For Women magazine. When we travel to NYC for a summer wedding, I hope to try these recommended steps for renting a car:

1. Reserve an economy car either online or via the phone.

2. When you show up to pick up the car, request an upgrade. The face-to-face request at the rental desk may result in a free upgrade, according to First for Women.

"Since budget vehicles are the most popular on the lot and frequently run out, you often can get a fancier ride at no extra cost." --First for Women

3. If you opt to stick with your economy rental car, request a lower rate.

"Local agents have more flexibility to cut you a deal."-- First for Women.

Local sales people and agents may also be aware of unannounced sales or surprise promotions. For instance, at a Payless Shoe store in downtown Miami, I went to the cash register with a cute pair of shoes. I asked if the current price was the best price or if the style was eligible for any markdowns.

The cashier checked and found that the shoe was due for a discount--but had not yet been marked down. The final price was about 40 percent less.

Here are great tips for frugally renting cars when traveling abroad, including information about the stick shift vs. automatic.

"A stick shift car can be up to 40% cheaper than an automatic shift. On Europe's many narrow, windy, hilly roads and tight streets in ancient cities, manual shifts give you better control as well." --source: www.reidsguides.com/

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

For another story, I interviewed a PR expert and while we were chatting she shared some of her frugal promotional tips, which seemed ideal for my weekly Tuesday Tips feature. I invited her to send me a guest column and here are some of her thrifty pr tips.

"8 ways to generate free publicity online and offline

Publicity expert Joan Stewart, also known as The Publicity Hound, offers these tips to anyone who wants to promote a product, service, cause or issue--even on a shoestring budget:

1. If you do business in your own community, post to Craigslist (www.Craigslist.org), the giant community bulletin board that’s almost entirely free. It may get more readership than your local daily newspaper.

2. Target beat reporters who work at daily and weekly newspapers, magazines and business journals in your own community, and share story ideas that would interest their readers.

3. Don’t forget about the free weekly shoppers that show up in newspaper tubes. They are often great places to publicize routine news like events hosted by local organizations.

4. Trying to get onto TV? Provide user-generated video of your event. Many TV stations now make it possible for you to upload video taken with your digital camera or camcorder directly to their websites. Also post to YouTube at www.YouTube.com

5. Drive-time radio deejays love fun contests and promotions. If you have an unusual product or service, call the station and give away products or gift certificates as prizes.

6. Post free articles to the many free online article directories like EzineArticles.com (www.EzineArticles.com). Not only do these articles link back to your website, but they are available for other publishers, editors and website owners to use.

Publicity expert Joan Stewart, also known as The Publicity Hound, publishes "The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week," a free weekly on how to generate free publicity. Subscribe at her website at www.PublicityHound.com. She blogs about publicity topics at www.PublicityHound.net"

Monday, May 14, 2007

Flatly stacked on the shelves of an unusual bookcase, South Florida artist Carol Fryd has arranged her books -- fiction, biographies and art books -- into a stunning and surprisingly practical work of art. But you don't have to be artistic to make your books attractive and easy to access. Here are a few frugal suggestions:

• Box, sell or donate your overstock. Trade in extra books at used bookstores for cash or store credit. We've also sold books on eBay. Many charities need books and you may qualify for an income tax deduction.

• Create a system. Consider organizing books into categories and even subcategories. Art, literature and cookbooks can be organized by genre, region or period. Lulu de Kwiatkowski, a New York-based fabric designer, suggests arranging books by color. While her color-coordinated book shelves looked good in a recent issue of Domino magazine, finding a specific book might be tricky. What's important is to create a system that works best for you.

• Be creative. Furniture companies sell bookcases in unusual shapes. For example, our coffee table and end tables have small shelves for books. We've also found attractive bookcases at yard sales and thrift stores. Others have hired cabinet makers to design and build custom shelves to fit odd corners and spaces.

• Use boxes for deep storage. My husband has packed away excess books and stored the boxes in large closets and cabinets. Boxes from office supply stores are affordable and offer lids, handles and space for labels.

Friday, May 11, 2007

My Mom just called and told me about a great Mother's Day gift idea she heard about today on Oprah. On the show, (A Mother's Day Special), one woman requested a letter from her children as a Mother's Day gift. She only wanted words on a page, plus a 39-cent stamp.

That frugal-but-meaningful gift idea prompted me to create this list of gift tips for Mother's Day.

Family Cookbook: Have every kid in the family contribute a recipe for their favorite food, with a story about a family event related to that recipe. Add illustrations, photos or other scrap book items.

Vacation Memory book: I have great memories of family vacations from my childhood. I'm sure my mother would love to have a collection of short vignettes based on the different family trips.

Calendar: Using the computer, it's possible to have create a calendar filled with a memory a month, with each month honoring something special about Mom.

Lunch with Mom: Take your mom to lunch or make a lunch filled with her favorite foods.

Favorite book: Find a copy of a book your mom read with you when you were a child. Record your voice or a voice of a child reading the book. When I was little my mom read a book with me about Tip the Dog. I was about four and we were reading the book in our old house in Philadelphia. We were sitting near a radiator on the second floor. It was cold outside, but our house was warm. That's how I learned to read.

"I don't want one more blouse in my closet, one more perfume on my dresser or one more piece of jewelry to display. I own all the possessions I desire, an enviable position that has little to do with affluence and plenty with maturity and acceptance.

What I want -- oh, what I want! -- is rarely something you can buy. In this age of conspicuous consumerism, that may be difficult to imagine.--Ana Veciana-Suarez

Happy Mother's Day Mom. Thanks for being a steady source of love & inspiration.And same to you Dad!

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

They Shop as a Family!"Anything can be fun when you arewith you children!" MIRA SORVINO (buying groceries with hubby CHRIS BACKUS, Johnny, 11 months, and Mattea, 2, in L.A. April 21) tells Us [magazine].

Here's the link to the photo in Us magazine.And here are my rules for food shopping with kids:

First: Try to avoid shopping with kids. Our food bills go up a lot when we bring kids along.

Feed them first. If you have company in the food aisle, make sure they are well-fed before you walk into the store. Hungry kids can be cranky and demanding.

Avoid crowded, peak-hours when you are shopping with kids. Packed stores, full carts and kids are a recipe for disaster.

Have the kids help you make the list. If they help you with the list, they'll be less likely to try to pile extra things on at the store.

Give them a task. Tweens and older kids can be sent into other areas of the store for specific items. Younger kids can help you find things on the shelves. Specific tasks reduce the "gimmes" and give everyone a "cents" of purpose.

Let everyone pick a special fruit. We've also had luck with Popsicle brand firecracker sour Popsicles which don't have artificial colors and sweetened with fruit juice (and a little sugar). This strategy means less of a tug-of-war in the junk aisles.

Give them a math lesson. Let them help with your mental math. Ask them to calculate the savings on coupons and specials.

Provide lessons in frugal living. Show them different prices and values. Have them hunt for good deals.

Give tips in good manners. Thank the cashiers; greet the other employees and be courteous. Help stock the aisles with polite people.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

From shining shoes to rust-proofing car batteries, petroleum jelly has some unusual uses. Here are tips that I've tried or plan to try.

Shoe Sign: Leather and patent leather shoes clean up nicely with a sheen of petroleum jelly. I've tried this frugal polish step several times. "Skip the skin-staining polish and apply a quarter-size dab of petroleum jelly to the surface instead."--First for Women (FFW) magazine

Instant makeup: A small dab of petroleum jelly on eyelashes works like a cheap and clear application of mascara. Use an eyelash curler for an extra lift. Likewise, a dab of jelly is a cheap substitute for lip gloss. I've tried these tips with success.

De-squeaking the shower curtain: A thin coat of jelly on a curtain rod will remove that squeaky sound that comes when the shower curtain opens and closes. --FFW

Boosting perfume power. Slap on a little bit of jelly onto your wrists before spraying perfume. "The odorless oils in the jelly give cologne something to bond to, so the fragrance lingers..." --source FFW (I will try and report on the success).

Pumping up the toilet plunger: Give the toilet plunger more punch by applying petroleum jelly (about 2 tablespoons) around the plunger's outer rim. This step creates a tighter seal and enhances the de-clogging performance of the plunger. --source FFW

Car battery winter treatment: Remove and clean the caps from batteries. Also clean the posts by removing rust and gunk. "Smear 1 teaspoon of petroleum jelly over each clean terminal. The oil-based gel forms a waterproof layer that keeps the metal components safe from salt and snow, which can cause corrosion and rust." --FFW

Tear-free baths for babies and kids: Apply a bit petroleum jelly to the eyebrows of young children before bath time. This step establishes a "water-resistant barrier" against soap bubbles, especially if you are out of tear-free shampoo formulas.

Banish wood watermarks: White water rings will disappear if you rub one teaspoon of petroleum jelly into every watermark. Let it sit overnight and then use a dry cloth to buff the surface.

Anti-stick solutions for light bulbs: Whenever you change a light bulb, apply a small dab of petroleum jelly to the metal threads of the replacement bulb. This move prevents rust and prevents bulbs from sticking in sockets.

Remove lipstick stains from cloth dinner napkins: 1) Apply a half-teaspoon of petroleum jelly to the stain; 2) let the jelly sit for five minutes or more; 3) apply a dollop of liquid dish soap to the stain, and 4) toss the napkins into the regular laundry cycle.

Monday, May 07, 2007

An outdoor deck extends the living space of many homes. But the mix of sun, water and humidity can shorten a deck's life. Warped, cracked, faded or split wood are telltale damage signs, says Karen Cobb, a spokeswoman for Lowe's.

The following tips could save time and money:

• Seek sun protection. Look for water-repellent, mildew-resistant wood sealers and stains with ultraviolet (UV) ray protection. Wood turns gray without a sun-screen. Clear sealers without UV protection have to be recoated at least once a year. For greater protection and retention of color, select a semi-transparent stain that is oil-based, Lowe's recommends. It's a step saver.• Avoid opaque, solid colors in high-traffic areas and horizontal surfaces, say the experts at Lowe's and Sherwin-Williams. Opaque stains (full color) wear out rapidly and are more likely to crack or peel in high-traffic areas. Use only solid colors on benches, railings and other low-traffic areas of your deck. Use semi-transparent or clear stains (with sun protection) for heavy foot traffic.• Check the sealing. If water immediately beads up or remains in a puddle, the wood does not need to be resealed. But if your deck instantly absorbs water, it's time to reseal the wood.• Simple repairs. You may be able to repair individual planks instead of redoing the entire deck. Lowe's recommends these steps:1. Remove soft, damaged or splintered sections of the plank with a wood chisel.2. Scrape off and sand down paint from the damaged and surrounding area. Apply acetone to the section.3. Completely cover the damaged area with wood filler.4. Sand, prime and paint.• Design your own deck. If your deck is beyond repair, you can build a new one using online design programs. Cobb recommends the Lowe's Deck Designer program (http://www.lowes.com.decks/). The building planning kit is free, but you must register on the site to use the program. Home Depot has a $15 deck designing program that can be downloaded at http://www.homedepot.com/. This click-and-drag program offers more than 70 designs and instructions.

For work and for pleasure, Gracey is frequently on the road and while traveling, she's learned to conserve dollars. For instance, for weekend trips, Gracey typically books elegant rooms in grand old hotels in the downtown districts of the cities on her itinerary. Her rationale is simple.

"Nothing goes on downtown on the weekends. You can always get cheaper rates on weekends," Gracey says.

From Washington, D.C., to Denver, business districts are often ghost towns on weekends, therefore, the operators of many upscale and historical hotels will significantly cut room rates to fill vacancies.

Consider the evidence. One summer, Gracey and her siblings took their father, Gene, for his 60th birthday, to Milwaukee to visit the Harley-Davidson factory. Gracey booked downtown quarters in The Pfister, a 150-year-old historic hotel. The family paid a weekend rate of $120 per room, a considerable savings from the weekday rate of $400-plus, Gracey says.

Likewise, in Denver, Gracey has enjoyed handsome savings at The Brown Palace, another historic hotel with weekend bargains. And in Memphis, The Peabody also offers steep discounts on weekends. Gracey also saves money on airline tickets. She conserves cash by always comparing flights that leave from either Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International.

Sometimes a flight to the same destination will be $50 cheaper, depending on the airport. "You can never tell which airport will be cheaper. I always check both," Gracey says.

Her routine also includes a price check at Southwest Airlines. That's because Gracey, as a frequent traveler, has discovered that Southwest is constantly adding new destinations with rates as low as $59 a ticket. The airlines also offers various specials through Internet sales, she adds.

Family vacations can present many opportunities for parents to educate children about finance, says Jessica Cecere, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach."Vacations and weekend getaways are something to look forward to and with careful planning, they can fit into your budget," Cecere says. "Showing children you can have fun without spending hundreds of dollars is an important lesson in their financial literacy education."

Compare prices for transportation and lodging options, searching for special Internet-only offers and discounts, and identifying fun and affordable events and attractions. source for the tips below: Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach

* Enroll in frequent flier, hotel rewards and preferred customer programs. They offer future savings and usually have no membership fee.* Book lodgings with amenities. If you're among the 55 percent of U.S. residents who stay in hotels, motels or a bed-and-breakfast when traveling, choose lodging with free breakfasts, swimming pools and fitness centers.* Consider driving. A family can save hundreds of dollars otherwise spent on airline tickets and destination rental cars by driving. Traveling by car, truck, camper/RV and rental car accounts for 79 percent of domestic trips.* Pack food and snacks. Packing sandwiches, fruit and beverages rather than eating in a restaurant can save a family of four almost $50 per meal.* Research airline options. Be flexible with your air travel plans. Layover flights are often less expensive than nonstops. If several airports are within an hour of your destination, compare ticket prices. Staying over a Saturday night and purchasing your ticket in advance could reduce your airfare by two-thirds.* Book cruises months ahead. Rates are typically cheaper with advanced purchase. Remember to budget for drinks, tips, side trips and souvenirs.* Go out for lunch rather than dinner. Restaurants charge less for lunch.

It was a cycle: Applications of heavy makeup, required various cleansing products, which dried out my skin, which demanded an army of moisturizers, which led to periodic acne, requiring more makeup as a cover-up and so on....

And the constant concern about my looks created additional worry lines and creases. So I stocked up on anti-aging products. What's more, I was shrinking my pores and my wallet. But I had a wake-up call when I realized that my mom (age 70) has great wrinkle-free skin and she uses only water and very few products.

Older and wiser, I use only a few, effective but cheap products on my skin with great results.

Here's the overview of my previous personal care spending. The estimates are conservative:

That total represents a low-ball figure because my estimates are based on drugstore products. The numbers could easily double or triple if expensive department or boutique personal care products are factored into the mix.______________

I prefer organic fruits and veggies. LocalHarvest.org provides links and information about buying organic produce directly from small farms and co-ops in your market. I used this resource to find an organic food co-op in my area.

Foodnews.org has a shopping guide for produce. On that shopping list, the following items have the highest level of pesticides and therefore, it is best to buy those items organic:

Peaches and apples topped the Dirty Dozen list. Almost 97 percent of peachestested positive for pesticides, and almost 87 percent had two or morepesticide residues. About 92 percent of apples tested positive, and 79percent had two or more pesticides. The rest of the Dirty Dozen includesweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears,imported grapes, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes. --Foodnews.org

Citrus products -- oranges, grapefruits and tangerines--were in the middle of the pack in terms of pesticide residue.

These items have the lowest level of pesticides and it is relatively safe to buy non-organic produce from this list:

Washing fruit and veggies is also important. There is a frugal alternative to fancy fruit wash products, said Consumer Reports, which noted that plain old dish soap works well for cleaning fruits and veggies. I've tried diluted dish soap and it works great for cleaning fruits and veggies. I also rinse my produce with a big of vinegar to kill germs. wikiHow has an informative guide about washing fruits and veggies.______________

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Baby oil --designed to soften skin-- is great for removing eye makeup, especially mascara. It's a cheap and gentle substitute for expensive makeup removal solutions. But baby oil also has some home polishing skills. That's the word from the April issue of Real Simple magazine. Baby oil can double as a polish for chrome, the magazine reports.

"Apply a dab to a cotton cloth and uses it to shine everything from faucets to hubcaps." --Real Simple.

I will try this tip during the next week and for the upcoming Tuesday's Tip, I will report on my efforts to polish metal with baby oil. My to-do list will also include these tips from Associated Content. My favorites from the list include:

"Quiet Door or Window Squeaky HingesPour some Johnson's™ Baby Oil in a small spray bottle. Then, anytime you hear an annoying squeak from a door or window hinges, simply squirt a little baby oil on the offender. Wipe up any excess oil with a clean cloth or paper towel."

and:

"Fix a Sticky Zipper EasilyPour some baby oil on a clean cloth, then wipe it along the teeth of a sticky zipper. Then, hook the zipper together and run the fastener up and down a few times. It should work fine now, without sticking or hanging up! " source: AC______________

About Me: Writer, Mom and Journalist

I'm another spoiled writer, with fine tastes and a small budget. Author of a newspaper column about saving money. I have a fashionably frugal attitude: Live well, find meaning and stay on a budget.
Photo credit: Melanie Bell

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